The inclusion of the budget cap in the 2021 F1 season may have been supported by the entire grid. Now, however, there appears to be a disagreement between the teams, with F1 trying to offer athletic penalties to the team that is breaking budget this season. And it initially looked like Ferrari wasn’t particularly happy with it.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
In the second half of April, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff announced that three teams were against the concept of punishing teams with sporting penalties rather than fines. Ultimately, the three outfits were Ferrari, AlphaTauri and Red Bull.
“A large group of teams, seven out of ten, voted for the introduction of sports penalties for violations of the upper limit,” said Mercedes boss.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
Formula 1 F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – International Algarve Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – Toto Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes GP, speaks at the press conference of the FIA / Handout team leaders about REUTERS
“Three teams voted against. You would pay a fine. But they don’t want sports penalties. It’s a bit strange, ”added Wolff.
While a fine could affect a team financially, athletic penalties could do much more damage to the team’s championship standings. If a team goes over budget, F1 may be able to deduct championship points from the outfit. Or, in the worst case, could be excluded from an entire season.
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, however, clarified Wolff’s statement on the matter. According to the Italian, Ferrari isn’t entirely against introducing sporting penalties against the budget cap, but all they’re calling for is a little more clarity from the F1 commission.
What did the Ferrari F1 boss say?
As reported by Motorsport-Total, Binotto announced that there was “no unanimity regarding sports penalties” in the run-up to the commission meeting.
“The text or the wording that was presented to the Formula 1 Commission did not contain any sporting matters,” he said. “The point was discussed in the commission. Even if there was no vote.
“It was discussed. And some teams – including Ferrari – said we should set some deadlines first to make sure everything is clear. And that in addition to financial penalties for violations, we can also impose sporting penalties.
Formula 1 F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto during the FIA / Handout press conference via REUTERS
“As soon as we have clarity, we can hold an electronic vote and make sure that there are sporting penalties. I don’t think we have opposing positions, ”clarified Binotto.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
Overall, it is likely that F1 will shed more light on this soon. And Ferrari couldn’t mind this time.
However, there is still great uncertainty as to whether Red Bull and their sister outfit AlphaTauri will also follow Ferrari’s path. Will it be a smooth sail for F1 from now on? Or is the Milton Keynes outfit ready to further complicate the process? Only time can tell.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
SUBMERGED DEPTH
